Chapter 27: First Place, Creating a Miracle!
The numbers on the big screen spun relentlessly, drawing the undivided attention of everyone present, both in the venue and online. All eyes were fixed on the screen. Shen Xian, however, remained calm and unperturbed, showing no sign of worry. Li Xiurong, on the other hand, was so nervous that she picked up her water cup, her right hand trembling uncontrollably. Liu Ruyun and Chen Feng were equally tense.
Their anxiety stemmed from the possibility that Wang Tianqi might deliver a spectacular performance. If Wang Tianqi became famous, it would mean that Idle Cloud Studio would rise to prominence as well. Witnessing Shen Xian’s ascent was more unbearable to them than death itself.
The four entertainment giants had joined forces to blacklist Shen Xian, declaring that they would never work with him again. They could squeeze Idle Cloud Studio’s survival space, restrict business performances and endorsements, and even ensure that Shen Xian would never appear on screen again. They had the power to do so. Yet, there was still Ning Cai.
Shen Xian had signed a partnership agreement with Ning Cai, who was bold and undaunted. She accepted what others dared not, indifferent to slander and rumors. Her background was formidable; even on the surface, she had the backing of Master Su, a true scion of a noble family in the capital, a second-generation elite. Thus, they could at most blacklist Shen Xian himself, but they could never truly suppress Idle Cloud Studio.
“Now, we’re about to announce the vote count!” Wang Ling pointed at the big screen.
The numbers rolled by in increments of dozens. Soon, it surpassed the critical mark of 300, and continued rising.
“Three hundred and fifty votes!” Liu Sheng called out, “It’s still climbing.”
“Are the audience members eating dirt? Hurry up and vote!”
“What are you waiting for? Vote! You’ll miss the hot moment if you don’t!”
“If you don’t vote, get out! Why are you sitting in the audience?”
The live chat erupted with a barrage of comments.
“Five hundred votes!” the host exclaimed, stimulating everyone’s nerves, “Thirty seconds left until voting closes!”
The audience no longer hesitated, each casting their own vote.
As the voting ended, the screen displayed a bold Arabic numeral.
933 votes!
933 votes!
This was the highest vote count in the history of this season of “Singer.” The previous record was set three years ago, at the debut of the show, when a superstar contestant received 951 votes. Now, an obscure bar singer had secured 933 votes. It was inconceivable—a legend had been born.
“Wang Tianqi, judges’ score: 45 points, audience votes: 933!” the host shouted, jolting everyone from their shock.
Liu Ruyun’s face contorted, overcome by a profound sense of humiliation. She had topped three rankings, yet lost to a bar singer by over a hundred votes. What else could this be but disgrace?
Chen Feng clenched his fists tightly, once again experiencing the terror of being dominated by the Postman.
“Congratulations to Mr. Wang Tianqi for advancing to the next round with the highest score!” the host declared.
The live chat went utterly wild.
“Wang Tianqi performed a miracle!”
“What a high vote count!”
“I’m now a fan of Wang Tianqi!”
Upon hearing the vote count, Wang Tianqi was momentarily stunned, then his eyes reddened. Gratitude toward Shen Xian surged in his heart. Without Shen Xian, he would still be a useless man unable to find work. Shen Xian had given him everything.
“Thank you, Postman,” Wang Tianqi whispered to himself.
Li Xiurong stood up in excitement. “Mom, Wang Tianqi—this is Wang Tianqi! He took first place!” She handed the phone to her mother.
But her mother responded disdainfully, “So what if he’s first? Ask him for half a million and see if he’ll give it to you.”
Li Xiurong felt as though she’d been doused with cold water.
True enough, even if Wang Tianqi earned big money, asking him for five hundred thousand was just a matter of saying the word. He would surely give it. But was it really appropriate to ask for money? It didn’t fit her character at all.
“No wonder the Postman is so admired—so talented and handsome. I declare from now on, you’re my idol!” Zhou Wan muttered to herself, opened Shen Xian’s chat window, and sent a message: “Postman, you’re amazing!”
Wu Fan stared at the vote count, unable to speak, feeling as if he’d been slapped hard across the face.
He was a top-tier idol, a popular young star with tens of millions of fans across the internet, yet he’d lost to a bar singer? And a blind one, at that! He couldn’t accept it. But regardless, he could only swallow his indignation.
Chen Rumeng’s expression changed as well, unable to stop herself from glancing at Shen Xian. In her anticipation, Shen Xian should now appear smug, basking in his triumph. But Shen Xian did not. He only gazed deeply at Wang Tianqi, face calm, neither joyful nor sad.
“All right, that’s it for today’s show. We look forward to everyone’s performances tomorrow. But Mr. Wang Tianqi, I believe many people have questions. Before the program ends, may I select a few questions on behalf of the audience here and those watching online?” Wang Ling, as a seasoned host, knew how to stir the atmosphere and boost ratings.
“Of course,” Wang Tianqi replied.
“Very good.” Wang Ling continued, “Everyone, please prepare your questions, write them on paper. I’ll draw a few to ask Mr. Wang Tianqi. Those watching online can also submit questions—I’ll select a few from the live chat.”
Everyone in the venue began preparing their questions, scribbling them down.
The director’s team, seeing the backstage data, grinned until their eyes narrowed to slits. The popularity of the livestream was still rising, viewership had climbed to 2.19%—a rate unseen for an entire year.
“Director, you’re truly impressive!” a staff member gave him a thumbs-up.
Before the show aired, he had arranged for paid commenters to stir up buzz, insisting that even bad publicity was good publicity. Now, his decision had proven spot on.
The staff began collecting questions from the audience.
Chen Feng sent someone onto the stage, disguised as a member of the audience, handing Wang Ling a piece of paper with the first question, whispering, “Please make sure to ask this one.”
Wang Ling glanced at Chen Feng, nodded imperceptibly. He would oblige.
Soon, more audience members came forward with their questions.
The live chat was also buzzing with questions.
“Due to time constraints, I won’t take up too much of everyone’s time. I’ll select three of the most interesting questions to ask,” Wang Ling announced. “I’ve just taken screenshots from the live chat as well. After answering the audience’s questions, I’ll ask a few from the livestream.”
“Mr. Wang Tianqi, are you ready?” Wang Ling asked.
“I am,” Wang Tianqi replied. “Please go ahead, host.”